Meet Our Family

“When I see guests surfing the real waves for the first time in their life...the smiles on their faces, it changes everything for them. It's like a light comes on, that's what I love about teaching.”

RogerSafari Surf Instructor for 16 years

Our Sustainable Philosophy

Safari Surf School hires and trains local surf instructors only. We do not "import" other instructors from other countries like many schools do. Being a sustainable conscious business we feel not only is this the right policy for us to adhere by, but also guests coming to a foreign country on vacation are looking to interact with the local people and the local culture...it is" win win" for everyone involved!

All of our instructors are all International Surfing Association (ISA) trained and certified. Many of our instructors are also certified lifeguards through the Royal Life Saving Society (Lifeguard Certified). Safari offers ongoing ISA and Lifeguard Certified training and certifications to all its staff.

In addition to hiring and training our local staff keeping in step with our sustainable practices and policies, Safari Surf School pays our instructors top dollar for their services...some of the highest pay in the industry.

In addition Safari also pays for the instructors medical insurance, social security and retirement, and vacation pay. More than 95% of surf schools world wide do not pay these benefits to their staff.

We are a family and as a family we take care of our own and make sure they and their immediate family are well taken care of now, and in the future.

Our Instructors

Luis Aka “Gato”

Surfing since 2005ISA Level 2 – Surf Coach / Lifeguard Certified

Helberth Aka “Hellboy”

Surfing since 2000ISA Level 2 – Surf Coach / Lifeguard Certified

Alonso Aka “Chumino”

Surfing since 1999ISA Level 2 – Surf Coach / Lifeguard Certified

Kevin Aka “Pipin”

Surfing since 2009ISA Level 2 – Surf Coach / Lifeguard Certified

Daniela “Dani” Munoz

Surfing since 2008ISA Level 1 / Lifeguard Certified

Erick Aka “Salchi”

Surfing since 2009ISA Level 1 / Lifeguard Certified

Roger Aka “Pio”

Surfing since 1992ISA Level 2 – Surf Coach / Lifeguard Certified

Wenty Robleto

Surfing since 2008ISA Level 1 / Lifeguard Certified

Our Crew

Tim Marsh

Proprietor

Marsi Marsh

Boss

Jeffrey Noguera

Operations Manager – Costa Rica

Peter Lewis

Costa Rica Concierge & Hippy Surf Guru

Nicolas “Nico” Almeida

Operations Manager – Panama

Ines Espinosa

Costa Rica Office Manager

Laika

Best Surfer Dogin Town

Daniela “Dani” Munoz

Safari Surf Women’s Retreat Assistant Manager

Our Mission

Safari Surf School has been sharing its passion for surfing since its inception in 1999 and is still going strong! You will obviously be thrust into the Latin “culture” and introduced to the incredible spirit and vibe that is “Pura Vida”…which translates to “Pure Life”.

There is a reason that Costa Rica was voted one of the “Happiest” countries in the world and it is very evident when you meet and greet the local people.

Our town of Nosara embodies all of what makes Costa Rica the most desirable place to visit on vacation. It’s like a journey back in time…where people wave at you as you pass by and greet you with a smile, always willing to help, where old cultural ways integrate seamlessly with the new “wave” of today’s younger generation.

We have no paved roads, no street lights, monkeys still cruising in the trees in Nosara…but we do have the creature comforts we all have come to enjoy like WiFi connection, ATM access, A/C, Cable TV, shopping, etc.

The “other” culture that you will be immersed in while visiting us is the “Surf Culture”. This culture is really a mindset, a lifestyle and you will be living and breathing it the entire time you are with us in Nosara. What makes Nosara and Safari Surf so attractive to people is that everything we do revolves around the art and passion that is wave riding!

Our instructors are all very accomplished surfers with years of experience and training. They enjoy meeting new friends and making lasting friendships with all who come through our “doors”. Each instructor is extremely well trained and educated in the art of teaching surfing, safety, lifeguard skills and first aid / first response.

From Olas Verdes Resort to our surf program, Safari Surf employs 99% all local people who live and have families in Nosara. We strive for a sustainable existence in the community that we live in by educating, employing, and giving back to the local people in our community.

Our History

“Owning and running a surf school in Costa Rica or Panama had never been a lifelong dream. It just kind of fell into my lap, so to speak. Growing up on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, I had long hoped to place roots in a peaceful, tropical environment, where I could share my love for surfing with my family and the community.

I have surfed around the world in places such as Australia, Bali, Baja, Maldives, Mentawai Islands, California, Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, Panama, El Salvador, and Jamaica, but it wasn’t until I bought land in Costa Rica in 1995, that I was able to fulfill the pursuit of my dream… to live in an area with uncrowded surf and a peaceful lifestyle.

Tim MarshFounder and CEO

People come to Safari Surf to immerse themselves in culture…not just the Costa Rican culture but more importantly the “Surf Culture”! Nosara is an amazing blend of surf culture and native Costa Rica culture. I can say with certainly that there isn’t a better place in the world to experience this cool phenomenon!

Our approach to teaching others to surf is simple: patience and a sense of humor mixed with a vast knowledge of ocean environment. Our instructors truly enjoy what they are doing and it shows. Come with an open mind and an open heart, and I will guarantee you, you will not only learn to surf and understand the ocean but your entire outlook on life may change as well.”

About Us

Safari Surf School offers authentic surf vacations, accommodations, surfing lessons and local experiences in Costa Rica and Panama. Safari Surf is family-owned and operated by Tim Marsh and his amazing wife Marsi.